Jandt Fredrickson Funeral Home & Crematory

Dear Pete, We are sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was an example integrity for all of us. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

From Paul & Shari Motylinski & Family

Pete and family: It was over 25 years ago when we first met you and heard and felt the love you had for your Dad and family. Howie made a great first impression sight unseen and since we've moved to the LaCrosse area we have understood the legacy and lasting impact he has made on so many people in the LaCrosse area, UW-L and beyond. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family Pete. Our respectful condolences, Ben and Nancy Gillmore

From Nancy and Ben Gillmore

Bernie and Family, Howie was a very special person. We knew him as a high school principal, fellow parent, co-worker, and most importantly friend. We feel fortunate to have known him.

From Bob and Sue Berg

Jen and Family, Reading through the many memories of those fortunate enough to know your dad is overwhelming. Truly an inspired life led, and an inspiration to so many. Your dad will live on in the lives of the so many people he touched, and in his wonderful family.

From The Durbins

So sad to hear of Howie's passing. I am confident that the wonderful memories from the people of all of the lives that he guided and influenced over the years will comfort you all in this time of mourning. I will forever see that bright face and big smile. Our heartfelt thoughts are with the family. From the Foster family..Steve, Chuck, Jeanne, Lorri and Lonnie

From Lonnie Foster (71)

Mike, Our hearts are with you. While most of us did not know your father personally, we understand the enormous impact he made not only in our community, but also in the lives of the many students who passed through the La Crosse school system. In sincere sympathy, The WAFER Board

From WAFER Board of Directors

Dear Voss Family. We would like to extend our sympathy at the passing of Howie. Many fond memories of him as my principal at Central for two years. Through out the years, every time I talked with him He was a kind gentleman. He kept me informed about what my friend and his son Greg was up to and always was proud of you Greg. God has chosen to take Him home and remember that its good night here, but good morning over there. God bless your family at this time. Roger and Carolyn Benson.

From Rogerand Carolyn Benson

Dear Greg and family: I would like to send my sincere condolences on the recent passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Although I didn't know your dad, from the stories and pictures I saw and from reading his amazing accomplishments, I can tell that he was a one in a million guy. You were truly fortunate to have a man such as your father in your life.

From Barb Elstrom

Your whole family has our sympathy !! Helen has many memories of serving on the 1950 class reunion committee with Howie. Les will miss his golfing buddy too - espcially playing "Howies rules". You are in our thoughts and prayers.

From Les and Helen Munson

My first job with La Crosse School District was with the ESL program under Howie Voss. He radiated life, hope and promise and we passed it on to the students we worked with. Howie was always upbeat, smiling and laughing. He took a chance on me and stopped in to see me every now and then as I began my teaching career. He was a mentor and kind soul. I will never forget what he did for me and his love and passion for kids. May your loss be softened by knowing that your husband/dad touched countless lives and is now reaping his reward for a life lived well.Rest in peace Howie.

From Gerianne Wettstein

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Voss family.

From Terri Rudolph Monnett

To the Voss family: My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I will always have fond memories of growing up under the guidance of Howie and my dad. Peace be with you.

From Marc Oelke

To the Voss family: Our hearts go out to all of you! All us neighbors are still in shock that Howie is not with us anymore.......Thats our 4th. neighbor man that have left us in the last couple years! If there is anything at all Bernadine that we can help you & your family with, just call. We are so close we can just run over whenever, OK? I will see you tomorrow at the funeral & I will be singing in the choir for you & yours; Bernie went to the wake tonight because he has to go to Mn. to his cousin's funeral tomorrow. My Dad passed away on Christmas night! So I know how hard it is at this time of year; but anytime it is not easy, but we will keep you in our prayers. Friends always, Love & Peace...

From Betty & Bernard Mullenbach

Dear Bernadine: My deepest sympathy to you and your family with Howie's passing. I feel very fortunate to have met and gotten to know you both, these past years. I will miss the conversation and smiles...many of them in your visits to the bank, and out and about in the community! You are in my prayers!

From Sandra Proksch-Troope

Greg and the entire Voss Family you are in my thoughts. I was so sad to hear about your loss. I remember Mr. Voss fondly as ever-smiling and cheerful. His legacy will be lasting!

From Kevin Brueggeman

Mr. Voss was the greatest principle of all time. He had a big heart, a kind spirit & a gentle soul! I had the pleasure of working with him in the main school office as a student for extra credit. His office door was always opened if ever I needed to "bend" his ear, which I did on a number of occasions. He always had the right answers! To his wife & family, may you find peace by remembering his gentle ways!

From AlLISON (BLANCHARD) BOGDAN

To Bernadine and the Family I was sorrowed to read about Howie's passing. I live in California but I saw it in the Tribune on the internet. I was in High School with Howie and also have been fortunate to be his friend and to see him at various events when we were in La Crosse. It was always a pleasure to chat with him. I was glad to see both of you at "Heritage Night". Bonnie and I send our condolences to you and the family.

From Ron Violette

We were so fortunate to spend time with Festmaster Howie and Frau Berie during my years on the Board of Directors. Howie made my year as President so much easier because of his smile and encouragement as well as his love of Fest. I will be forever grateful for the friendship that we shared and the years that I had getting to know Howie. A wonderful man and one of the best. Ein Prosit!

From Gary and Myrna Schmidt

Voss Family, Jennifer - We send our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Howie was just a great guy--a leader, role model and mentor. Our high school group always enjoyed spending time at the Voss' house. I was also fortunate to have Howie as my university superviosr during my student teaching experience at good old UW-L. I learned a lot from him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

From Brad and Suzanne Bayer

Sincerest condolences to all of you. We were shocked when Jeff told us the news. Howie was a GOOD man, good in so many ways. He shared that goodness with everyone, which is why he will be missed by so many. He was so easy to be with and I enjoyed those times, sharing the grandfather role for Jacob, Elyse, and Andrew. His spirit will continue to be with you during these early days of mourning and always. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

From Nancy & Jim Van Domelen

In Spirit, We are One and All IS Well... as the "distance" between Heaven and Earth isn't as far as we think. Today, Rest in God's Peace. Loving Blessings, Mary

From Mary Wolski

Pete, Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

From Mike Renner

Bernadine and family, we are so deeply sorry for your loss. Anyone who knew Howie realized what a special man he was. He made everyone around him feel special! He was such an example of a great family man, and certainly that was a blessing to the many young people in his life of service. We all will miss him! May God bless your family as you go through these difficult days ahead.

From Arlo and Carrie Teegarden

Dear Pete and family, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Howie was a wonderful man...full of positive energy and kind words for all. I have fond memories of seeing him at our Central Band concerts as well as many Oktoberfest events. Though he left many behind, I'm sure your dad is with Mr. Sauer and many other former teachers, students, Brewers, Packers in heaven enjoying a new life.

From Karen Kraus-Rosencrance

Our entire family loved Howie. He was a life-long friend of my father's-and my father had such great respect for Howie's life and his achievements. Pete-it's been way too long since we've seen each other- but know that I'm giving you a big hug from Appleton! Love ya man!

From Mark Grassman

Condolences to your family. Such a wonderful, kind man, rememered fondly as our principal and always so good to see him.

From Tom and Andrea (Pastur) Bushek

Dear Greg and family, I am deeply saddened at the loss of your father and husband. Everytime I think of him I see his smiling face. He always greeted me by name, asked about how my parents were doing and brought me up to speed as to what was happening in Greg's life - he was really proud of you, as he was of all his kids. I know you are missing him lots. I hope your hearts are full of great memories of a most wonderful man.

From LuAnne Kratt

Greg and Family, I was so sorry to read about your dads passing. LaCrosse schools, and all who knew him, lost a good guy. In reading his obituary I was reminded of many things about him I knew but had long forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this diffucult time. Of course, your dad is smiling in heaven. Sandy

From Sandy Dally Luepke

God Bless your family. He was a very sweet man, and my favorite principal. I treasure his message in my yearbook, and the chance meetings we would have at St. James or Holmen MS. I will never forget the Festmaster's Ball - it was a thrill to be there when he was announced as Festmaster. He made a great impact on many lives, especially those of us in the field of education. Nancy (Thompson) Von Arx Central, Class of 1972

From Nancy Thompson Von Arx

I was so sorry to hear about Howies passing. I always enjoyed seeing him when I visit laCrosse every fall. He was a very kind man. Howie was so kind to my Dad, Louie, when he had his heart surgery last year. My Dad will miss him so much. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Cathi and Butch Novotney Class on 71

From Cathi Novotney (Wuensch)

Mike, Pete, and family: I was saddened to read of your dad's passing today. I last saw him a few years ago at the old Starbucks across from the Village. I didn't know Howie as well as most, probably, but he always greeted me with a smile and a kind word. My sympathies to you all. Rick Brown, Central '81

From Rick Brown

Mike, Jeanne, Mickey, Maggie,and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will fondly remember Howie for getting me through my student teaching experience. If it hadn't been for his support and understanding, along with his caring, gentle demeanor, I wouldn't be where I am today. May you remember the great times you had with him and the positive effects he had on the people of the La Crosse community. Amy Lawrynk

From Amy Lawrynk-Aquinas HS

Dear Jeff - We are so sorry to hear about your dad. You have had such great times with him at all the different ball games you attended together over the years. "No amount of time on earth, no matter how long, can prepare your heart for that last goodbye." You are in our thoughts and prayers. Dawn, Al and Alie Walker

From Dawn, Al and Alie Walker

Bernadine and Family, My sympathies to you on your loss. Howie always sparkled whether it was at school or a chance meeting in the community. He always made me feel welcome, which was important in my first principal's job at Logan. He taught me you can be an administrator and still have fun.

From Ken Bates

I arrived in La Crosse in 1967 and was a brand new student at the new Central High School. I barely knew anyone. Howie Voss made me feel right at home in the new building. I'll never forget standing in line at graduation in 1969 to receive my diploma. When I reached out to take it, Voss yanked it back and flashed his characteristic smile, then congratulated me! (and gave me the diploma)!! My thoughts and with family and friends!

From Paul Kavanaugh

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Howard Voss, and send our heartfelt sympathy to his family at this difficult time. May you all find peace and comfort in the wonderful memories and in the legacy of this great man.

From Tom Innis and Family

My heart goes out to the entire Voss family. I have many vivid memories of Mr. Voss from so many of Jen's milestones, but the most profound for me was, in 1995 at Festa Italiana when he took me aside, shifted his beer to his free hand, put his arm around my shoulders and said, 'Kiddo, you are going places - you can be whoever you want to be. Just remember that' I was apprehensive about moving to Chicago on my own and starting a new career - that act and those words have stayed with me and given me confidence on many a day. I believe he is the brightest star shining in heaven tonight. God bless.

From Jennifer Pierce

We are very saddened by Howie's passing. He was such an optimistic, sincere man. He did so many positive things for the educational system in La Crosse. He made his mark and will be missed by all. Our condolences to the family.

From Dave Schleh and Phyllis Hicks

Bernadine So sorry reading about Howie. I remember how he helped me with my son Mike when Mike was in high school. Nice talking to you and Howie at our class reunion this year.

From Betty(Lanzel) Joseph

Bernie and family, My deepest condolences for Howie's passing. He had such a genuine presence...a real people person who always made others feel good to be around him. God bless you and give you strength at this difficult time. Good job, Howie! Rest in peace!

From Diane Hadsell

I was saddened to read of Mr. Voss' passing. He was a wonderful, encouraging, supportive teacher, one of my favorites in my high school years. He also was a man who didn't forget his past students. In the 1980s I was assigned to do a long story on the La Crosse Hmong community for the Chicago Tribune, Mr. Voss was my crucial contact, a man who knew the Hmong community and all the key people in the city, the schools, the medical community and the community at large who worked with the Hmong. He eased my way into meeting and interviewing many of them. He was was a superb man both professionally and as a friendly, caring human being. Bill Mullen Central Class of 1962

From Bill Mullen

Bernadine our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Howie was a good man. His life was a model of kindness and decency. I looked up to him. He will be missed, but who he was on his life's journey will remain in our memories. Peace

From David and Sandra Johnston

Bernadine and family- Ruth that I are very saddened with the loss of Howie. He has been a great friend and mentor to me, Jerry, since 1986. I owe him so much-- he was such a good person and school leader. It is hard to believe that it was only in August that we shared late afternoon and evening together on Tom's boat and dinner at Festmasters ball. Our sincere sympathy! Jerry & Ruth Berns

From Jerry & Ruth Berns

Our deepest condolences to the Voss family and to the Central High School family. We have many great memories of Howie. Jon Sleik (class of 68) Sue Coleman Sleik (class of 70)

From Jon & Sue Sleik

We all remember Howie and the entire Voss family as really great neighbors living right across the street. Both Cheryl and Marianne had numerous stories and many fond memories of their years at Central High with Howie at the helm, as principal and later school director. He was a great example to all of us Hanifl kids also as a family man and husband. We will remember him always. God bless all of your family, and may He give you all His peace in this time of your grieving, knowing one day you will be reunited in God's King-dom forever.

From The Family of Marie Hanifl

Dear Voss Family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Howie did indeed touch many lives. I have fond memories of the time we spent together at UW-L. Although it is never easy to lose those we love, it seems as if this is the hardest time of the year. I am keeping you all close in thought and prayer. God Bless, Kari (Ramsey) Peterson Class of 1994

From Kari (Ramsey) Peterson

We were deeply saddened to hear of Howie's passing. He was a wonderful man and always a joy to be with. We will keep you in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences to your family.

From Jeff & Sue Miller

Bernie and family, Our hearts are broken. We can't believe he is really gone. The world has lost a great spirit and your family has lost a great husband, father, and grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You were the best neighbors anyone could ever have.

From Sherry, Tim, and Kelsie

Bernice and family, Marlo Watunya and family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Howie. A sad passing of a wonderful person. I remember being invited to join your family for dinner when I picked up Mark Watunya at the airport. You are such gracious people and I remember Howie as being an amazingly welcoming person. My condolences and thoughts are with you.

From Karry (Kratt) Auby

Voss Family, We are very sorry for your loss. We have your in our thoughts and prayers. Chris, Anne, Will, and Sam Casey (Friends of Jeff)

From Chris, Anne, Will, and Sam Casey

DEAR BERNIE AND CHILDREN, I WAS SHOCKED AND DEEPLY SADDENED TO LEARN OF HOWIE'S PASSING.WHAT A GREAT FAMILY MAN, EDUCATIONAL LEADER AND ROLE MODEL.HE HAD A GREATER INFLUENCE ON MY PROFESSIONAL CAREER THAN ANYONE. HE TOOK A CHANCE ON A VERY GREEN COLLEGE GRAD AND GAVE ME THE JOB OF A LIFETIME. MORE IMPORTANTLY WAS THE FATHERLY ADVICE HE GAVE ME IN THOSE EARLY YEARS ABOUT PROFESSIONALISM AND HAVING EMPATHY FOR STUDENTS.HE,ALSO, TOOK A BIG CHANCE WHEN HE NAMED ME TENNIS COACH BACK IN 1970 EVEN THOUGH I TOLD HIM THAT I HAD NEVER PLAYED OR EVEN KNEW HOW TO KEEP SCORE...SOMEHOW IT WORKED OUT PRETTY WELL. OUR VERY SUCCESSFUL WASHINGTON, D.C. TRIP, WHICH LASTED FOR 30 YEARS AND PROVIDED OVER 1200 STUDENTS WITH THE MEMORIES OF A LIFETIME, WAS TOTALLY HIS IDEA. HOWIE WAS(WILL ALWAYS BE)A GREAT MAN, A GOOD MAN. WITH TEARS, YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS. HANK POEHLING

From HANK POEHLING

I was a student at UWL when Mr. Voss was working with the School of Education. He was such an inspiration that I am forever grateful. Your family is in my thoughts.

From Leslie Lewison

Dear Voss Family: It is with a great sense of loss when we read of Howie's death. We wanted to let you know that you have our greatest sympathy, and our hearts are truly saddened. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and the family as you mourn and celebrate the life of this terrific man. He was loved by all! With our deepest sympathy, Tom (Class of 1966) and Jill Pinski (Class of 1971)Schee.

From Tom and Jill (Pinski) Schee

Howie...a good and great guy. Enjoyed him so much during our chats at the Aquinas reunions. His talk and stories were always so comforting. And now, we are able to pray to him for strength, for his family, and for his friends. He will watch over us. And, as the nuns at St. Bede's in Eau Claire would share with visitors and guests: "May God's grace continue to fall gently into our lives!" So be it. Steve & Joan

From Steve and Joan (Franke) Henry

Bernadine & family, It was a pleasure to spend some time with you on Saturday. You both continued to smile even though we sang very off key!! Howie's positive attitude was contagious! He told us on Saturday that your dad had told him Howie got the "pick of the litter of 9" (hope your siblings don't read this...) It was a great pleasure knowing him and You will continue to be in our prayers.

From Tom & Marilyn Tiggelaar, Grenadiers

Howie was a great friend and will be missed greatly. Whether as a teaching partner at UW-L or as a "fish-fry" guest each time at our place, he was the quiet, fun-loving, good natured person that everyone liked. He was top-notch as a quality educator and has touched many lives. God rest his soul!

From Gene and Sandee Wellman

We are in shock. We feal your loss and share your grief. We will fondly remember the good times shared by our families.Howie was a close friend and we shared many stories. He will be missed..We will stay in touch.

From Aronsons

We are in shock. We feal your loss and share your grief. We will fondly remember the good times shared by our families.Howie was a close friend and we shared many stories. He will be missed..We will stay in touch.

From Aronsons

Condolences for